A milestone performance by spinner Cam Akers, a pick-six by cornerback Darious Williams and a daring performance by quarterback Jared Goff in place of the injured John Wolford helped the Rams advance to the Division Round of the playoff game 30-20 the Seahawks Saturday at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Wolford got the start at the quarterfinals, but left the game late in the first quarter with a neck injury and did not return after being taken to hospital for precautionary measures. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wolford returned from the hospital after the game and was back in the locker room after the win, smiling and celebrating with his teammates.
Wolford completed three of the 6 pass attempts for 29 yards before leaving the game. Goff, meanwhile, performed and completed 9 of 19 pass attempts for 155 yards and scored one victory, just 12 days of thumb surgery. The wide receiver, Robert Woods, was on the receiving end of Goff’s lone pass, and also finished with four catches for 48 yards.
Akers had a score of 28 runs for 131 yards and one rush, becoming the first newcomer in franchise history to race for 100 yards or more in a playoff game. Akers added his two receptions for 45 yards, and Akers was 176 yards from the scrum center, accounting for more than half of the team’s 333 total offenses.
Williams ’42-time interception return for a touchdown was the Rams’ first defensive finish since January 20, 2002 against the Packers, when they scored three such scores.
In addition to Wolford’s injury, attacking linebacker David Edwards left the game early in the second quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. Defensive line Aaron Aaron suffered a rib injury with 10:04 left in the third quarter and was doubtful to return. After returning to the locker room after the injury, Donald returned to the Rams’ sideline late in the third quarter, but did not return to field.
Linebacker Leonard Floyd was evaluated for concussion in the first half, but returned early in the third quarter. He and Donald each end up with two bags.
The Rams scored the first point through a 40-yard goal by kicker Matt Gay for an early 3-0 lead with 3:52 left in the first quarter.
A 50-yard field goal by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers tied the game 3-3 at 10:34 in the second quarter, but the Rams responded to the ensuing series with a 39-goal drive from Gay to regain the lead. 3. The goal was aided by a 44-yard completion from Goff to Kupp, which took place in Los Angeles on the Seattle 28.